The Zamfara State Police Command has arrested a young man identified as Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun following a disturbing viral video allegedly showing him leading a group of youths in chants calling for attacks on Christians in Enugu and Jos, Plateau State.
The arrest followed widespread outrage over the footage, which reportedly shows the suspect wearing a uniform associated with the First Aid Group of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), alongside pupils from two Islamic schools in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
According to the police, the video contains chants calling for AK-47 rifles to enable the group to travel to Enugu and attack Christians during Sunday worship, before making similar references to Jos.
The Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Bello, disclosed the arrest while briefing journalists in Gusau on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
He said preliminary findings indicated that the footage was recorded on Friday, October 23, while the suspect was reportedly on his way to Aliyu Ibn Abi Thalib Mosque. He and others were said to have been providing security during Friday prayers and preaching.
The police said JIBWIS leaders were contacted following the video’s emergence, after which the organisation reportedly apprehended the suspect and handed him over to the authorities.
JIBWIS DISTANCES ITSELF FROM VIDEO
The National Chairman of JIBWIS, Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, has condemned the inflammatory statements and called on the police, the Department of State Services and other relevant security agencies to investigate the incident and prosecute anyone found culpable.
The organisation maintained that threats of violence against people of other faiths were contrary to its principles, stressing that wearing its uniform did not automatically establish that an individual was acting with its authorisation.
Amnesty International Nigeria has also called for an independent investigation, raising concerns about the exposure of children to hateful rhetoric and possible violent indoctrination.
The police commissioner condemned conduct capable of promoting religious hatred and threatening public safety, assuring residents that the command would protect citizens irrespective of their religious affiliations.
He said investigations were continuing and that the suspect would be charged before a competent court upon their conclusion.
